Mike Barrell - Mini Tennis Expert

Based in the UK, Mike has taught tennis for over 20 years working with players of all levels and more recently as Director of evolve9, providing consultancy to clubs, organizations and National Associations.

Evolve9 offers many services including resource design, program management and practical on court coach education delivery. The methodology and services developed Mike has developed have been used by key tennis providers including the LTA, KNLTB, ITF, PTR, ATP and by numerous clubs, associations and providers including Tennis Corporation of America and the David Lloyd Leisure Group. Mike has presented at numerous National and International conferences authored magazine articles and manuals including the 2007 PTR Educational supplement Growing Kids Growing the Game.

Mike currently also works for the LTA as one of a team of coach education tutors, delivering coach education, certification and training. An LTA Level III Licensed Coach and member of BTCA, he was the 2007 PTR Professional of the Year.

Mike owned his own community based tennis club for over 10 years and now manages the Under 10s programme at the West Hants Club in Bournemouth where he still works on court each week.

A Chocolate Game is one that “the Kids love” but actually isn’t very good for them. Just as chocolate has no nutritional value so these games really serve no specific purpose and although they are ok to use little and often they actually don’t make the player improve or develop!

Teaching reception skills to young children can be challenging. Often, we take these skills for granted, but without them, kids will always struggle to rally and really play! The following things need to happen before a player can hit the ball.